Matrix ONE opens its doors as one of Amsterdam's most sustainable buildings
Matrix ONE, the largest of 7 buildings making up the Matrix Innovation Centers in Amsterdam Science Park, has officially opened with the aim of accelerating future-focused innovations. The occasion was celebrated by the presence of Mayor Femke Halsema, who declared the multi-company hub open for business.
A hub for sustainable innovation
As the newest addition to the Amsterdam Science Park, Matrix ONE represents the city's vision of sustainable thinking and circular design. The latest in the series of buildings that make up the Matrix Innovation Centers, the multi-use space is already almost fully occupied, housing 18 companies with a sustainable focus. The location of the hub invites collaboration with nearby university and research facilities to accelerate the transition to a more sustainable society.
Mayor of Amsterdam Femke Halsema was present to celebrate the grand opening, helping to usher in a new chapter of research and collaboration.
Built to be almost 100% recycled
This 6-storey office/laboratory space is a model of circular design and energy efficiency. With a Breeam excellent certification, the building is virtually energy neutral utilising 1000 sq. metres of solar panels and an array of energy saving measures. Built from over 120,000 reusable components, Matrix ONE is designed to be taken apart and reused or recycled. Everything from the doors and windows to the floor and furniture can be disassembled and repurposed at the end of the building’s life cycle. With demolition and construction responsible for ⅓ of all emissions in Europe, this modular design is essential to shaping a construction industry that is circular by design.
The building also incorporates built-in green spaces with rooftop greenery, indoor trees, and ample natural light, creating a healthy and vibrant work environment for its occupants. The inclusion of bike storage facilities amid Amsterdam's vast network of cycling paths also encourages employees and visitors to embrace smart mobility options.
Promoting collaboration in the heart of Amsterdam Science Park
Beyond its physical attributes, Matrix ONE is intended as a hub for collaboration and innovation. The building houses state-of-the-art research laboratories and cutting-edge office spaces, attracting a diverse range of entrepreneurs, scientists, and academics. The spaces are designed to foster creativity and the exchange of ideas, enabling groundbreaking discoveries and technological advancements to flourish.
This is exemplified by the presence of SustainaLab, an initiative by various Amsterdam Science Park partners to connect the dots between researchers, students, and companies that are working to accelerate the transition to a more sustainable society. They organise co-creation sessions to ensure entrepreneurs, policy makers, and scientists have the opportunity to meet and share knowledge to work more efficiently towards solutions.
The inauguration of Matrix ONE is a significant milestone for Amsterdam, a city known for its forward-thinking initiatives. As the newest addition to the Amsterdam Science Park, Matrix ONE aligns perfectly with the city's vision of fostering innovation and sustainable development.
